Moving Up on Ice Workshops

Winter 2021 Workshop dates will be posted in Autumn 2020

The Basics

Take your range of mountain skills to a new level. Ice climbing is an amazing Northeastern winter experience--and integrating ice climbing skills into your climbing kit opens up a host of interesting alpine objectives. Whether you're looking to explore the Northeast's ample ice objectives or considering taking your existing mountain skills to places like Mount Baker's North Ridge, Peruvian gems such as Tocllaraju, or Alaskan objectives in the Ruth Gorge, this workshop will be a valuable tool in moving forward—and upward! During this day-long workshop we'll cover the following topics and techniques:

Ice climbing tools and terminology

Belaying/Communication sequences in climbing

Basic knots for technical climbing

Vertical cramponing fundamentals

Ice tool technique

Movement over steep ice terrain

Advanced ice and mixed climbing techniques

The small-group, customized nature of this workshop will also allow time for participants to direct the learning toward other skills of interest. The Northeast is a mecca for ice climbing and you'll come to love the winter even more once you've discovered the challenges and joys of the vertical ice world.

The final site will be determined according to where we can access the best ice conditions and optimal climbing and learning "classroom." We will be in touch at least seven days prior to the event to confirm the meeting location. Contact us in advance if you have specific logistics-related questions.

New Hampshire: We will base out of the Mt. Washington Valley area. Lodging in the North Conway/Conway/Jackson area will provide the most flexibility based on the final workshop location.

Vermont (None in 2020): We will base out of the Bolton/Stowe/Smugglers Notch, VT area. Lodging in the Stowe/Waterbury area will provide the most flexibility based on the final workshop location; however, lodging in Jeffersonville/Smugglers Notch or Burlington area are also reasonable options.

Necessary Clothing & Equipment:

All necessary technical climbing equipment is included in the workshop cost. After sending a deposit, please click HERE to fill out a “Gear Needs Sheet.”

Click HERE for a list of the clothing and other personal items you should plan to bring with you on your climbing day.